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DSDC Debate & Public Speaking Blog

Expert insights on debate, public speaking, and education from our award-winning coaches.

Competitive DebateMarch 13, 202618 min read

The Complete Guide to High School Debate in Canada

Everything you need to know about competitive debate in Canada - organizations, formats, tournaments, the path to nationals, and how students can get started from scratch.

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Parents & Resources8 min read

Best Extracurriculars for University Applications in Canada

A practical guide for Canadian parents and students on which extracurricular activities actually strengthen university applications — and why debate consistently ranks among the top choices.

Apr 18, 2026Read
Parents & Resources6 min read

Debate Summer Camps in BC (2026)

A guide to debate summer camps and programs in British Columbia for 2026 — what's available, what to look for, and how to keep your child's debate skills sharp over the summer.

Apr 11, 2026Read
Parents & Resources7 min read

Debate vs Model UN: Which Is Right for Your Child?

A fair comparison of competitive debate and Model United Nations — how they differ, what skills each builds, and how to decide which activity is the best fit for your child.

Apr 4, 2026Read
Getting Started7 min read

How to Start a Debate Club at Your School in BC

A practical, step-by-step guide for teachers and students who want to launch a debate club at their BC school — from finding a sponsor teacher to running your first meeting and entering tournaments.

Mar 31, 2026Read
Student Tips8 min read

How to Write a Debate Case (Step-by-Step)

A step-by-step guide to writing a strong debate case — from analyzing the resolution and researching evidence to structuring your arguments and preparing for rebuttal.

Mar 27, 2026Read
Student Tips7 min read

How to Win Your First Debate Tournament

Practical tips for first-time competitors — from preparation and partner strategy to managing nerves, learning from losses, and what experienced debaters wish they'd known before their first tournament.

Mar 20, 2026Read
Student Tips7 min read

What Judges Look for in a Debate Round

A behind-the-scenes look at how debate judges evaluate speakers — from argument structure and evidence to delivery, engagement, and the mistakes that cost teams rounds.

Mar 17, 2026Read
Parents & Resources6 min read

How Debate Helps Your Child Get Into Ivy League Universities

Why debate stands out in Ivy League admissions by developing intellectual rigor, communication, leadership, resilience, and the kind of stories selective universities remember.

Mar 15, 2026Read
Parents & Resources12 min read

Best Debate Programs in Vancouver for Kids (2026)

A practical guide to the best debate programs Vancouver parents should compare, including coaching credentials, class size, feedback quality, online flexibility, and why DSDC serves families across Canada.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Competitive Debate6 min read

A Parent's Guide to Competitive Debate in BC

A practical guide for BC parents on debate formats, tournaments, Provincials, Nationals, and how to help a child get started in competitive debate.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Parents & Resources5 min read

Online vs. In-Person Debate Classes: Which Is Better for Your Child?

A side-by-side look at online and in-person debate classes, covering coaching quality, class size, feedback, flexibility, and what matters most for families.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Parents & Resources5 min read

How Debate Helps with University Admissions in Canada

Why debate strengthens university applications in Canada by building critical thinking, communication, leadership, and resilience - plus where to start.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Student Tips5 min read

Debate Classes for Shy Kids: Why Introverts Actually Thrive

Why shy and introverted kids often excel in debate, and how structured beginner classes help them build confidence without pressure.

Mar 13, 2026Read
Public Speaking7 min read

Public Speaking Tips for Kids: A Parent's Guide

Practical advice for parents who want to help their child become a more confident public speaker — from managing nerves and building structure to finding the right program.

Mar 6, 2026Read
Competitive Debate7 min read

What Is British Parliamentary Debate? A Beginner's Guide

Everything you need to know about British Parliamentary (BP) debate — the four-team format used at universities worldwide and increasingly in Canadian high school competitions.

Feb 27, 2026Read
Parents & Pricing4 min read

How Much Should Debate Classes Cost? Unveiling Transparency in Debate Coaching

At most academies, debate coaching tuition is shrouded in secrecy. We believe transparency is key — here's what fair pricing looks like and how to avoid predatory price gouging.

Jan 25, 2025Read
Competitive Debate5 min read

How to Qualify for the Canadian Nationals Debate Tournament

A step-by-step guide for junior and senior students to qualify for Canada's most prestigious high school debate competition — from regional tournaments to the national stage.

Jan 23, 2025Read
Competitive Debate4 min read

Understanding High School Debate Formats in Canada

A guide to the four major debate formats used in Canadian high school competitions — CNDF, British Parliamentary, Cross-Examination, and World Schools — and how they challenge students differently.

Jan 22, 2025Read
World Scholar's Cup7 min read

Exploring the World Scholar's Cup: A Global Competition for Future Leaders

Everything you need to know about the World Scholar's Cup — from Scholar's Bowl to the Tournament of Champions at Yale. Learn how DSDC maintains a 100% qualification rate.

Jan 21, 2025Read
Student Tips5 min read

Mastering the Art of Studying: Effective Techniques to Save Time and Boost Learning

Stop studying harder and start studying smarter. Learn three scientifically proven techniques — spaced repetition, the Pomodoro Method, and active recall — to maximize your learning.

Jan 20, 2025Read
Public Speaking5 min read

The Transformative Benefits of Improving Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking is the most common fear — but starting young changes everything. Discover how developing this skill boosts confidence, academic success, and career prospects.

Jan 18, 2025Read